Dayton, OR vs Merrill, OR

The cost of living difference between Dayton, OR and Merrill, OR is dramatic. Merrill is 67.1% cheaper than Dayton, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Dayton has a cost index of 125 while Merrill sits at 75, making this one of the more striking comparisons on our site. Relocating between these cities would require a serious reassessment of budget and lifestyle expectations.

On the housing front, median rent in Dayton is $1,882/month compared to $789/month in Merrill — a 139% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Merrill is more affordable at $172,900 median vs $372,900.

Median household income in Dayton is $79,556 compared to $50,469 in Merrill (+57.6%). The higher salaries in Dayton partially offset the cost difference, but don't fully close the gap. Looking at affordability, residents of Dayton spend roughly 28.4% of their income on rent, more than the 18.8% in Merrill.

Climate-wise, Dayton is notably warmer with an average of 52.9°F compared to 47.1°F in Merrill. Dayton receives more rainfall at 37.6" per year compared to 11.1" in Merrill.